Consultancy for evaluation of the GIBP capacity to collect, process, store and cross-check biometric information (extended)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
 

Project Context and Scope

The General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Republic of Moldova is the national institution responsible for implementing the state policy in the field of integrated state border management, prevention and combating cross-border crime, with direct attributions in the field of border checks and border surveillance and control of state border crossings.

Within the framework of the project “Enhancing the Border Police’s operational and training capacity towards strengthened border management in the Republic of Moldova”, financially supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) within the United States Department of State and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the mission contributes to addressing multifaceted border management challenges by strengthening the institutional and operational capabilities of border authorities.

Biometric technologies have become a vital part of border and migration management. The use of automated recognition of individuals based on physical and behavioral characteristics improves the reliability of verification. Biometrics is also of great importance to facilitate and expedite regular and safe cross-border mobility; for instance, it enables the use of automated border control gates. Furthermore, the responsible use of biometrics enhances security in migration and border management processes. IOM considers biometrics to be a valuable tool for identity and migration management processes. As with all new technologies, the advantages and disadvantages, and benefits and risks, need to be carefully assessed. Using biometrics contributes to the accurate and efficient identification of individuals. Reliable identification is vital for protecting identity and preventing identity or entitlement fraud.

The purpose of this consultancy is to respond to the need for development of Border Police capacity to utilize biometric information to verify and confirm the traveler’s identity, according to the international best practices[1], particularly the EU regulations and the national commitments related to the EU accession criteria. The utilisation of biometric information applies equally to the first line as well as second line of verifications performed during border control, but also to the laboratory expertise executed whenever needed.

IOM builds on the already established collaboration with GIBP and based on the national authority’s request, adopts a structured approach in providing specialized assistance. Such assistance is provided from the perspective of IOM’s mandate and expertise, and in collaboration with other relevant national authorities. 

Eligible for this assignment are experts and specialized companies with proven record in capacity building in this field.
 

[1] these refer to the standards, operating procedures and regulations that are internationally recognized when using biometrics in the context of border management (for instance, the ICAO standards or the “United Nations Compendium of Recommended Practices for the Responsible Use and Sharing of Biometrics in Counter-Terrorism”).

 

 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
 

Migration Governance Unit, Immigration and Border Governance 

Tasks to be performed under this contract

• Draft assessment workplan and briefings detailing the scope of assessment, general proposed contents, as well as steps to be followed, for approval by IOM and relevant national authority;

• Map and analyse relevant national legislation, regulations, and internal procedures governing biometric data collection, processing, storage, and cross-checking, and reflect the findings in the final report;

• Map and analyse operational procedures for collection, verification, and matching of biometric data with relevant databases (national and international);

• Assess technical and procedural safeguards to ensure secure storage, transmission, and access control of biometric data;

• Review compliance with international obligations, including data protection and privacy frameworks, and particularly EU standards on Integrated Border Management/Border Checks, special attention will be given to EURODAC compliance;

• Evaluate existing biometric collection systems, including equipment, software, and databases;

• Assess interoperability with national and international databases and information systems;

• Assess existing development plans of GIBP towards practices registered in EU countries and compare/reflect them in the required capabilities of the available information systems;

• Examine human resources capacity, including staff skills, training, and deployment;

• Provide comparison with the biometric border management information systems in EU/Schengen countries and identify/suggest best practices to be considered in the development process;

• Identify gaps in compliance with data protection laws, standards and international regulations related to responsible use of biometry;

• Assess reliability of current information systems, in terms of speed, accuracy, interoperability, capacity to exchange volumes of information with relevant stakeholders;

• Provide specific, actionable recommendations for improving technical infrastructure, software solutions, institutional frameworks, human resources capacity, and inter-agency cooperation;

• Identify potential investment needs and training priorities;

• Prepare briefing notes, presentations and reports as required for the implementation of the assignment;

• Participate in meetings, briefings and conferences as required for the implementation of consultancy;

• Collaborate and coordinate with other IOM consultants and relevant stakeholders as guided by IOM.

   

• Expected Outputs and Deliverables

•              

• Nr.

  Deliverables

  Deadline

  1.  

  Draft workplan/assessment plan presented for approval by IOM and national authorities

  1 April 2026[MC1] 

  1.  

  Initial Draft of the assessment report on GIBP capacity to collect, process, store and cross-check biometric information, including a comprehensive roadmap for improvement, submitted for validation and feedback to IOM and national authorities

  By 30 July 2026

  1.  

  Present and support the final version of the assessment report in a workshop with participation of national authorities[MC2] [AG3] , present the final version of the Roadmap to IOM and national authorities

  By 15 October 2026

  1.  

  Final Report on the implemented activities[MC4]  with conclusions and recommendations reflecting the operational and methodological aspects of the realized consultancy

  By 15 October 2026

   

Payment Modalities

• The payment will be done in two instalments, with the first installment due upon submission of deliverable 1 and 2, and the second installment due upon the submission of the deliverables 3, 4. [MC5] 

• The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.

•  [MC1]This has to be presented in max 2 weeks - since the start of the contracting, as it sets the initial prerequisites for starting the work on the assessment report

   [MC2]Should the Roadmap be presented too, or is it only for the beneficiary use?

   [AG3]It will be part of the assessment report

   [MC4]Necessary for reflecting the operational and methodological part of the activity which cannot be included in the evaluation report

   [MC5]Proposal to include two installments, one in the value of 30% of the total sum at the submission of the first draft of the assessment report

 Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• The performance will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Timeliness. Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this TOR

• Stakeholder satisfaction and positive feedback on deliverables.

• Quality and comprehensiveness of reports and documentation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree in Law, Information Technology, Security Studies, European Studies, Border Management, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in biometric systems assessment, border management, or identity management.

• Proven knowledge of biometric data collection, processing, and verification systems.

• Familiarity with international and EU standards on biometric data and border controls.

• Strong understanding of Moldova's context and legal frameworks.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Romanian is an asset.

Travel required

For international consultants, travel will be required to Moldova and within the country, in which case IOM will cover travel and accommodation expenses.

For national consultants, travel may be required within the country, in which case IOM will cover travel and expenses.

 

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioral indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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